The Freeborn County Crime Victims Crisis Center on Monday recognized the agencies and volunteers who partner with the organization to assist victims of crime.

During a special ceremony as part of National Crime Victims Rights Week, CVCC staff, volunteers, advocates, law enforcement and other community leaders gathered for a luncheon at the Department of Human Services building on Clark Street.

CVCC Supervisor Rose Olmsted presented certificates to the Albert Lea Medical Center, the Albert Lea City Attorney’s Office, the Freeborn County Attorney’s Office, Freeborn County Court Administration, Freeborn County Court Services, the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, the local ministerial association, the Albert Lea Police Department, the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, the Workforce Center, SEMCAC, the United Way, the Alden-Conger School District, the Glenville-Emmons School District and the Albert Lea School District.

Olmsted said so much of what the CVCC does is in partnership with others.

She also recognized two women, specifically, for their commitment to helping victims of crime.

One of those women was Judy Popp-Anderson, a member of the CVCC Advisory Board and the Crisis Response Team, who works as a mental health therapist.

Olmsted said Popp-Anderson was critical in getting the Crisis Response Team started. Over the years she has also helped with numerous presentations and public speaking events.

Olmsted noted that Popp-Anderson is a compassionate person who is also caring, smart, experienced, mindful, nonjudgmental and helpful, among other descriptions.

Also recognized was Joyce Rhody, who Olmsted said has volunteered more than 12,000 hours for the CVCC. She noted Rhody has given numerous presentations and written legislators and the newspaper as an advocate for victims.

Olmsted described Rhody as caring, socially consientious, hardworking, kind, giving, empathetic and giving, among other characteristics.

Following these presentations, Michelle French with the Crime Victims Crisis Center also recognized the winners of the center’s art contest. Look to the Tribune for the winners.

Freeborn County Administrator John Kluever read aloud a proclamation declaring the week National Crime Victims Rights week.